Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work

Openness and authenticity can help build a cohesive team in the workplace. If employees are able to bring their authentic selves to work and feel valued for their unique contributions and perspective, it’s easier to collaborate and stay motivated. But, how do you know if an employer is the right one for you and how do you connect with colleagues to build rapport and trust? ECS’ Peer Career Coaches, Jessica Asuncion (Environmental Engineering) and Aastha Gupta (Computer Science and Engineering) offer their insight in this week’s blog.

Researching Company Culture

• Jessica: When it comes to researching company culture, it’s important to first reflect on what values and attributes are most important to you. For example, if you are someone who is passionate about social justice or inclusivity, you could review what kinds of programs a company has in place to foster an inclusive environment. If you’re looking for a company who values community engagement and social impact, you can try to dig through their website to see if there are projects or causes that they support.
• Aastha: I think that the best way to find out what a company’s culture is like is to talk to someone that works there! I always like to ask questions like “are you and your co-workers friends outside of work?” and “how formal or informal is [company name here]’s workplace?”

Determining the Right Company for You

• Jessica: One of the first questions that I ask myself when deciding is, “Do they value me?” Personally, I want to work in an environment where myself and the work that I do is seen, appreciated, and valued. Often times, my question is answered based on how the company engages their employees, work-life balance, and the programs they support both within my community and internationally.

Connecting with Colleagues

• Jessica: Aside from connecting at the career fair, I would connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. After interning with a company, I always make sure to send a LinkedIn invitation to those I collaborated with or met through the program. LinkedIn is a great and easy way to stay up to date and in touch with colleagues and peers.
• Aastha: I had my manager and mentors take me on a lap around the office to meet people that they work with and/or are friends with to connect with more colleagues and peers.

Ultimately, Engineering Career Services wants you to work somewhere that you feel supported and valued. Take time to reflect on what’s important to you and incorporate those findings into your job search and work experience. Jessica leaves us with a final thought: “To be authentic is to be self-aware; knowing who you are and what you bring to the table is key! Be honest, vulnerable, and open to new opportunities and environments.”

“Authenticity is about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to bet our true selves be seen.” – Brene Brown